Police Arrest Gianyar Woman Over Suspected Penglipuran Theft

Bangli — Police arrested Desak PCD, a 36-year-old woman from Gianyar, after she was suspected of stealing cash and gold jewelry from durian seller I Nengah Janten in Penglipuran on Oct. 3, 2026.

The case concerns a theft at a durian stall in the Bamboo Forest area of Banjar Penglipuran, Kubu, Bangli. According to Bangli Police, the missing bag contained IDR 2.5 million (about US$160), gold rings, a bracelet, earrings, old Balinese kepeng coins and other items.

The suspect, identified by police by the initials Desak PCD, was arrested at her home in Banjar Pegesangan, Temesi village, Gianyar, after investigators followed leads from the victim’s report. Police said she admitted taking the belongings and was believed to have posed as a customer before leaving with the bag.

The Penglipuran theft highlights the risks for market and stall traders

For visitors and foreign residents in Bali, the case illustrates how quickly an unattended bag can become the focus of a theft in a busy commercial or tourist area. The incident did not occur inside a hotel or a formal retail store, but at a roadside durian stall in an area associated with Penglipuran, making the circumstances relevant to anyone carrying cash or valuables while shopping or travelling.

Bangli Police received the report on Oct. 6 and formed an investigative team. Officers later recovered IDR 1.1 million (about US$70), several gold items and old kepeng coins, along with a motorcycle, its registration document and clothing allegedly used during the incident. Police also said the suspect was linked to alleged thefts in Klungkung and Gianyar.

The suspect and the seized evidence remained at Bangli Police headquarters for further legal proceedings, according to Balipost.

Sources

• Tribun Bali — regional news report
• Balipost — regional news report